Trip Planner:   USA  /  California  /  Yosemite National Park  /  Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, Yosemite National Park

4.2
#10 of 11 in Wildlife in Yosemite National Park
Wildlife Area · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park
Stop at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area to cool off and recharge on way to Yosemite valley. This quiet spot on the Merced River lies just off the Southside Drive, offering views all around. Bring your own snacks and make use of the picnic tables and barbeque pits, or simply lay down a beach towel on the coarse sand in the shaded area and watch birds and butterflies. If you do not mind the chilly water, put on a life preserver and float lazily down the stream. The area is safe for toddlers too. Using our world travel planner, Yosemite National Park attractions like Cathedral Beach Picnic Area can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Tours to Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

FROM $149 BOOK WITH VIATOR Best of Yosemite Tour: Giant Sequoias & Glacier Point
Duration: 8 hours
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Cathedral Beach Picnic Area reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
12 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By Gonen2014
    The Cathedral Beach is perfect for picnics and of course swimming in the river. At the end of August the river is still full of water, and when the sun shines outside it is fun to swim here...  more »
  • By Karen O
    Came to this spot a few times while we were in Yosemite. Took picnic lunch. Valley was hot, river was cool on your feet and the breeze traveled up the river bed. Late summer so not a lot of water.....  more »
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